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Kiwi start-ups get springboard to success

Kiwi start-up CSx has taken out the inaugural Samsung Springboard competition with a high-tech solution to tackle the issue of sports concussion.

The concept used an integrated technology platform and sensor for concussion management and monitoring of real time head impact.

The win sees CSx pick up a cash prize of $30,000, $10,000 worth of Samsung products, three Icehouse workshops and introductions to Samsung’s global ventures team.

The competition, which ended last night with final pitches, also saw I Measure U awarded a second place prize of three months tenancy at Kiwi Landing Pad and flights for two to San Francisco, for their idea of wearable devices designed to provide athletes with measurements to enhance their performance.

Auror, a platform created to provide better visibility of crime, was awarded the choice of $10,000 Samsung development funding or $10,000 Samsung technology and MediKOL won People’s Choice, taking home $1000 of Samsung technology and a two-day workshop from The Icehouse.

Samsung New Zealand managing director Kenny Yeon, who was one of the judges at last nights final pitching event, says CSx presented a very solid business model with a unique kiwi flavour.

“I’m excited to see how CSx will use this opportunity to develop their platform further, expanding out to other professional sport industries overseas and within a wider health setting,” Yeon says.

Finalists were judged on both original and innovative concepts and business capabilities to support global growth.

Martin Weekes, CSx chief commercial officer, says the win will help CSx provide their technology to a broader range of athletes.

“We’re all passionate rugby supporters, so anything we can do to improve safety at a grass root level is a priority for us,” Weeks says.

“If our technology can help save one child’s life on the sports field, than that’s a job well done. Hopefully this will also give parents the reassurance to encourage their children to participate in all the sports we grew up with. We need future All Blacks.”

Last night saw six finalists pitching to a panel of judges comprising of some of New Zealand’s most influential Kiwi business leaders, including The Icehouse chief executive Cam Wallace; PowerbyProxi chief executive Greg Cross; Samsung New Zealand enterprise director Verdon Kelliher; and Dr. Michelle Dickinson, aka Nano Girl.

Samsung launched the Samsung Springboard competition in partnership with The Icehouse, to develop a platform to help Kiwi tech start-ups secure the resources and network introductions to make the leap into global markets.

Samsung will continue to work closely alongside CSx and the other finalists in providing them with opportunities and introductions to their global network.